Apparatus for high-temperature dyeing or finishing of a fabric material



I Filed Sept. 7, 1956 Sept. 24, 1968 c. BLOUNT, JR. ETAL 7 APPARATUS FOR HIGHTTEMPERATURE DYEING OR FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL r zky/ 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORJ CHARLES BLOUNT, JR.

ARNO- N PRASCHK FTTORNEY Sept. 24', 1968 I c, BLOUNT, ET AL 3,402,577

APPARATUS FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE DYEING OR FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL v 7 Filed Sept. 7, 1966 v ,2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v INVENTOR: amass BLOUNT, JR. llRNO NIEPRHSCHK I JM;

v ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofice 3,402,577 Patented Sept. 24, 1968 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for dyeing and/or finishing a fabric material wherein the fixation of the dyestuffs or finishing chemicals in the fabric is conducted at elevated temperatures above 212 Fahrenheit and at pressures above atmospheric. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel which is sized so as to permit a roll stand to be readily moved into and out of the vessel. The means for effecting the dyeing of the fabric material is located exteriorly of the tank and that a plurality of heated cans are provided over which the material to be treated is first threaded to effect a preheating thereof. The preheated material is then directed through a padder and thereafter loaded upon the roll stand. cooperatively associated with the loading roller of the roll stand is a takeup roller. The arrangement is such that the fixation of the dyestuffs or chemicals to the material is effected by rolling the material from the loading roller to the takeup roller under conditions of elevated pressures and temperatures within the pressure vessel. During the fixation operation the takeup roller is actuated by a suitable drive means to effect the unwinding of the material in full open width from the loading roller to the takeup roller. As soon as the material has passed from the loading roller to the takeup roller, the roll stand is then removed from the pressure vessel.

While the fixation operation is being carried out a second or auxiliary roll stand may be arranged exteriorly of the pressure vessel for receiving the material to be subsequently dyed. 40

This invention relates in general to apparatus for dyeing and/ or finishing a fabric material, and more specifically to apparatus for dyeing and/or finishing fabric material wherein the fixation of the dyestuff or finishing chemicals in the fabric is conducted at elevated temperatures above 212 Fahrenheit and at pressures above atmospheric.

Heretofore considerable difficulties have been encountered in dyeing and/ or finishing fabric material and more particularly fabric material formed of synthetic fibers. A primary difficulty encountered in dyeing or finishing such fabrics was that with known procedures and apparatuses a considerable period of time was required to effect the migration and fixation of the dyestuffs and/or the finishing chemicals into the fibers of the material being so treated.

In dyeing synthetic fabrics at temperatures of 212 F. and below it has also been heretofore customary to resort 60 to the use of chemical carriers to shorten the fixation time in dyeing such fabrics. The use of such carriers, it has been noted, effected an action which appeared to carry the dyestuffs from an equeous dispersion thereof to the fiber and thus distribute the equilibrium between the dye 65 bath and the fiber in favor of the dyestuff absorption by the synethetic fiber. However, while the use of such carriers, which are costly, tended to hasten the dyeing process, the fact remained that even with their use the dyeing process was still rendered extremely slow as eight to sixteen hours per dye lot were still required. Also the use of such carriers had the further disadvantage that the disposal thereof presented additional problems.

It is known that at temperatures substantially above 212 F. the dyeing cycle can be considerably shortened and that the operation can be conducted without the utilization of chemical carriers. Heretofore numerous attempts have been made in this connection to develop such hightemperature process and suitable apparatus for conduct-ing the same. The most successful method to date known involves the winding of the fabric about a perforated cylinder and subjecting the material to the dye under elevated temperature and pressure conditions while flowing the dye liquor through the fabric. The practice in such operation has been to alternate the flow of dye liquor, that is to flow the liquor in the tank through the fabric from the inside of the tank to the outside of the fabric, and then reverse this flow pattern. This method has met with limited success only and for several reasons. Thus, extra caution had to be observed to insure that the fabric wound about the cylinder was not creased. Otherwise, the creases would become permanently formed during the dyeing operation. Furthermore the tension of the wind was rendered critical in that too tight a wind resulted in an overload of the power source and conversely too loose a wind resulted in damage to the material. Also there was a tendency for the fabric to become unevenly shaded along its length and width to result in a condition which is konwn in the trade as nonleveling of the dye. This condition is due partly to the filtering action of the several layers of cloth. Thus only loosely Woven cloth may be dyed in this manner, and closely woven cloth cannot be so dyed partly due tothe uneven penetration of the dye in and around the fibers caused by the pressure characteristics of the fluid flow through the layers of open width fabric. Also the phenomena referred to as Moire occasionally occurred during the dyeing operation, with the result that the entire dyed fabric must be discarded or redyed.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide apparatus for enhancing the dyeing or finishing of a fab ric material in a rapid and expedient manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for dyeing and/or finishing a fabric material wherein the material is initially treated with either suitable dyestuff or finishing chemicals under atmospheric conditions, and in which the dyestuff and/or finishing chemicals by which it has been treated is fixed thereto under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which the dyestuff or treating chemicals is fixed into the fibers of the material in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which the material to be treated may be dyed or finished in full, open width.

Another object is to provide an improved apparatus for fixing the dyestuff or finishing chemicals in the fibers of the material thus treated at elevated temperatures and pressures wherein condensation is reduced to a minimum.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for effecting the fixation of the dyes-t-uff or finishing chemicals to the fibers of the material, which is relatively simple in construction, inexpensive to fabricate, and positive in operation.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for enhancing the fixation of the dyestuff or finishing chemicals to the fibers of a fabric in a minimum of time and which at the same time is rendered economical for operation on either large or small lots.

Another object is to provide an improved apparatus for dyeing or finishing a fabric which requires a minimum of maintenance and/or cleaning between the dyeing or finishing of distinct lots.

Another object is to provide apparatus for dyeing or finishing a fabric material in which the dyeing or finishing operation is rendered substantially continuous from lot to lot.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which the formation of wrinkles and creases is minimized and in which the possibility of Moire art designs resulting from the dyeing operation is eliminated.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which either large or small lots can be dyed without adversely affecting the fixation time thereof.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which synthetic fibers, as for example polyester fibers and/or the like, can be effectively dyed in a minimum of time without the use of expensive carriers.

The foregoing objects and other advantages are attained by a method and apparatus capable of dyeing or finishing various fabrics such as stretch fabrics, all cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers and/or the like which are dyeable. In accordance with this invention the method comprises the steps of positioning a roll of fabric material to be treated on a suitable supporting frame and drawing the material therefrom in open width and preheating the same by passing the material over suitable heating cans. The material thus preheated is directed to a pad for dyeing. The material as it is passed through the dyeing pad is then wound in a roll about a roller mounted on a movable stand. With the material so loaded on the moveable stand the free end of the dye fabric is threaded from the loading roll on the stand to a takeup roll supported on the stand. The stand so loaded is then positioned into a pressure chamber or vessel whereby fixation of the dyestuff to the fabric is performed at elevated temperatures and pressures. Accordingly, the dyed material is transferred from the loading roller to the takeup roller at elevated temperatures and pressures to effect the fixation thereto. The fixation thus occurs in a time interval necessary to effect the transfer of the material from the loading roller to the takeup roller. To prohibit condensation from occurring within the tank and thereby causing the condensed droplets to adversely affect the material, the pressure vessel is further heated by an auxiliary heater so that condensation is eliminated.

In accordance with this invention the apparatus for effectively performing the method comprises a pressure vessel which is sized so as to permit a roll stand to be readily moved into and out of the vessel. To facilitate the insertion and removal of the roll stand from the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel is provided with a track means extending along the lower portion thereof and which track means is operatively associated with complementary track means disposed exterior of the tank. The means for effecting the dyeing of the fabric material may be conveniently located exterior of the tank to one side thereof. Accordingly, the means for effecting the dyeing of the fabric includes a plurality of heated cans over which the material to be treated is threaded to effect a preheating of the material. The preheated material is then directed over appropriate guide rollers to a padder in which the material is passed through the dyestuff or treating chemicals. From the dye bath or liquid for chemically treating the material, the material so treated is wound about the loading roller which is mounted on a roll stand disposed in rolling engagement with the track means communicating with the rail means in the pressure vessel. Means are provided for effecting the drive of the loading roller to effect the winding of the material dyed or treated thereon. Cooperatively associated with the loading roller is a takeup roller. The arrangement is such that during the fixation step the material is rolled from the loading roller to the takeup roller. Accordingly, means are operatively associated with the takeup roller to effect the rotation thereof during the fixation operation of this invention. With the dyed material properly loaded onto the loading roller of the roll stand, the roll stand is then positioned within the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel sealed. The temperature and pressure is then brought up to the appropriate level necessary for effecting the fixation of the dyestuff or finishing chemicals into the fabric material in accordance with this invention. During the fixation operation the takeup roller is actuated by a suitable drive means to effect the unwinding of the material in full open width from the loading roller to the takeup roller under elevated conditions of temperature and pressure to enhance the fixation operation. As soon as the material has passed from the loading roller to the takeup roller the roll stand is then removed from the pressure vessel.

In accordance with this invention it will be understood that while the material is being treated within the pressure vessel, a second roll stand may be arranged cxteriorly of the pressure chamber for receiving a material to be subsequently dyed. By use of a plurality of roll stand it will be readily apparent that a substantially continuous operation can be effected in that as one lot is being dyed, the preceding dyed lot can be operated upon within the pressure vessel for fixing the treating material into the fabric so treated.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an improved apparatus for dyeing and/or finishing a fabric material in which the dyeing steps, that is the step of passing the material through the dye bath, is performed under atmospheric conditions, with the material so dyed subsequently being subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuff or treating chemicals to the fabric material.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provi sion wherein the dye is padded onto fabric material in full open width at atmospheric conditions and which material is subsequently subject to elevated temperatures and pressures in open width to effect fixation thereof in a minimum of time.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision wherein a fabric material may be chemically treated, as for example either for dyeing or finishing, in a manner wherein the operation on successive lots is rendered substantially continuous.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the specification and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates somewhat schematically an apparatus for dyeing or finishing a fabric material in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates somewhat schematically a slightly modified form of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan diagram of a trackage arrangement utilized in conjunction with the pressure vessel for rolling of the roll stand internally and externally of the pressure vessel.

Referring to the drawings, the present invention relates to either dyeing and/or finishing of a fabric material, as for example stretch fabrics, fabrics made of cotton, wool and/ or fabrics formed of synthetic fibers as for example polyester fibers and/ or the like. According to this invention the dye or finishing solution is first padded onto the fabric. The dye or finishing chemical is then fixed into the fibers of the material under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures.

For purposes of description, the invention will be described with particular reference to dyeing; however, it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable for finishing fabrics by utilizing the usual finishing chemicals in lieu of dyestulf.

Referring to FIG. 1 the material to be treated is preferably supported in a roll 10A on a suitable A-stand 11 which may be portably disposed in a convenient cart or carrier 12. The material 10 to be treated is drawn from the supply roll 10A and is threaded about suitable guide rollers 13, 14 in open width and thereafter threaded about a plurality of heated cans or rollers 15. The cans or rollers 15 may be heated by steam, for example, and the threading of the material 10 to be treated thereabout functions to preheat the material to a predetermined temperature to enhance the dyeing or finishing operation. The material 10 is thereafter threaded about suitable tension rollers 16 and a series of guide rollers 17 from whence the material is led through a padder vat 17A that contains the bath of dye solution or the finishing chemicals depending on whether the material is to be dyed or finished.

As best seen in FIG. 1 a plurality of rollers 18 are suitably disposed within the padder vat 17A about which the fabric material 10 is threaded in passing therethrough. The series of rolls 18 disposed within the padder vat 17A are generally utilized to render the material more susceptible to the dye solution contained within the padder vat. The material 10 in exiting from the padder vat 17A is guided between a pair of padding rollers 19. Accordinglythe material in passing between the padding rollers is threaded over a guide roller 20 and is wound about a loading roller 21 which is suitably carried on a roll stand 22. During this portion of the operation the roll stand is exteriorly of the pressure vessel 23, and accordingly it is to be noted that the apparatus thus far described is exposed to atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, the material to be treated in being withdrawn from the supply stand 11 and preheated by means of the heated cans or roller 15 and dyed by passing through the padder 17A is at all times subjected to atmospheric temperatures and pressures.

Preferably a roll stand 22 upon which the dyed material is loaded about roller 21 is preferably mounted on rollers 24 which are adapted to engage suitable rails 25 which are intended to be brought into alignment with rails 26 located on the bottom of a pressure vessel. If desired, the rail 25 on which the roll stand 22 is supported in turn is mounted upon a carrier 27 which is arranged to roll on a trackway 28, 29 disposed externally of the pressure vessel 23. Accordingly, the external tracks 28 may be later-ally disposed in a manner so that the carrier 27 and the roll stand 22 adapted to be supported thereon may be moved transversely with respect to the pressure vessel.

Also it is to be noted that the means for treating the material externally of the pressure vessel 23 may be located and arranged relative to the lateral trackways 28 so that one roll stand 22 may be in position for loading while a preceeding loaded roll stand may be disposed within the pressure vessel for effecting the fixation of the dyestutr' and/or finishing chemicals into the fabric as will be hereinafter described.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it is to be noted that the material in exiting from the padder 17A is rolled in a roll about the feed or loading roller 21 on the roll stand 22. To enhance the feed of the material 10 about the roll 21, a drive means is provided. As best seen in FIG. 1 the drive means for effecting the feeding of the material 10 in a roll about the feed roller 21 comprises a pair of arms 30 (only one of which is shown) which are pivotly mounted on a suitable bracket 31 connected to the body of the roll stand 22. Connected between the free ends of the arms 30 is a drive roller 32. A guide roller 33 is rotatably journalled intermediate the ends of the supporting arms 30 of the drive roller 32. Accordingly, as noted in FIG. 1, the material is threaded in open width under the guide roller 33 and over the top and about the driver roller 32 whereby the material is permitted to wrap around the feed roller 21 in the direction indicated.

Accordingly a suitable power means may be operatively connected to the drive roller 32, as for example a motor or the like for effecting rotation of the drive roller in a clockwise position as viewed in FIG. 1. The drive roller 32 thus being engaged in rolling engagement with the material rolled therearound and with the roll of material being wound around the feed roller 21 causes th latter to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction thereby causing the material to wind thereon. As more of the material is being rolled onto the feed roller 21 are arms 30 supporting the drive roller 32 move upwardly as the diameter of the roll of material increases. As soon as a predetermined amount of material has been passed through the padder rolls 19, and wound about the feed roller 21, the padding operation is terminated.

The free end of the material thus wound about the feed roller 21 of the roll stand is threaded onto a takeup roller 35 also mounted on the roll stand 22 as noted by the dark lines. A drive means is operatively associated with te takeup roller 35 to effect the transfer of the dyed material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. Accordingly, it is to be noted that the transfer of material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35 is in open width of the fabric. As shown the drive means for the takeup roller 35 is substantially similar to the drive means utilized to roll the padded material about the feed roller 21. As shown, the drive means of the takeup roller 35 comprises spaced arms 36 which are pivotally mounted about a suitable bracket 37 and which arms 36 have supported therebetween a drive roller 38 with a guide or expansion roller 39 journalled intermediate the ends of the arms 36. Accordingly, the material 10 as indicated in the broken line in FIG. 1 is threaded under the expander or guide roller 39 and over and around the drive roller 38 to wind about the takeup roll 35 when the drive roller 38 is actuated. The actuation of drive roller 38 effects counterclockwise rotation of the takeup roll 35 to effect transfer of the material from the feed roll 21 to the takeup roll 35. In so doing the respective drive rolls 32 and 38 will follow the increase or decrease in the amount of material present on each of the rolls 21 or 35 accordingly.

When the material has been padded and loaded onto the feed roll 21 of the roll stand, and the padded material initially threaded about the takeup roll 35, the roll stand is bodily moved into position Within the pressure vessel 23.

As best seen in FIG. 3 the pressure vessel 23 comprises simply a large open-end cylindrical tank sufficiently large to accommodate the roll stand 22 and a closure 23A to effectively seal the same pressure tight. Rail means 26 are located on the bottom of the vessel 23 to complement the rail means 25 supporting the roll stand 22 on the carrier 27. Accordingly, by proper alignment of the rail means 25 and the carrier 27 supporting the roll stand 22 with the rails 26 within the vessel it will be apparent that the roll stand 22 can be readily moved into the pressure vessel 23.

The upper portion of the vessel 23 is provided with a baffle 40 spaced from the upper portion of the tank to define therebetween the space 41 in which a suitable heater 42 is interposed. As will be hereinafter described, the heater is utilized to heat the bafile in a manner so as to prohibit condensation from occurring when the temperature within the pressure tank is elevated above 212 F. by the utilization of steam as the pressure vessel 23 has been brought up to proper pressure. Accordingly, the auxiliary heater 42 minimizes the condensation of the steam within the vessel which is utilized to bring the vessel to the desired temperature. In so doing any condensation is obviated and the danger of water droplets falling on the material during the fixation procedure is eliminated. Accordingly, with the pressure tank operating, the fixation of the dyestuff or finishing chemicals in the material is attained by transferring the padded material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. Accordingly the rate of transfer is maintained at a rate sufficient to effect the fixation of the dyestuffs in the material. Experience has shown that a run of 5,000 to 6,000 yards of material loaded on the roll stand can be run through a fixation period of approximately to minutes. Therefore with the method and apparatus described the fixation time to effect the necessary migration of the dyestuff into the fibers of the fabric can be expediently performed.

Accordingly it will be noted that as the fixation portion of the operation is being carried on within the pressure vessel 23 as described, a second roll stand may be brought into position adjacent to the padder vat 17A whereby the loading roller 21 of the second roll stand may be loaded with a padded material in a manner hereinbefore described while the preceding loaded roll stand is within the pressure vessel for effecting the fixation of the dyestuff to the material.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 is substantially similar to that described with respect to FIG. 1 with the exception that the padder vat 17A is bypassed. In this embodiment the dye bath or dyestuff is interposed in the nip of the respective padding rolls 1919. Accordingly, it is to be noted that the material as it is drawn over the heated cans 15 by which it is brought up to a predetermined preheated temperature is then guided over suitable guide rollers 16, 17 through the dye solution 50 interposed at the nip of the padding rollers 19-19. Accordingly, the feature of nip dyeing resides in the provision that a smaller ratio of dye material is required thereby affording improved padding control.

In all other respects the apparatus and its operation shown in FIG. 2 is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIG. 1.

It is to be further noted that the steps of dyeing of a fabric material as hereinbefore described, are similar to the steps of finishing a previously dyed material. The only distinction to be noted between dyeing and finishing of material is the difference in the chemical utilized. In all other respects the procedural steps of dyeing and finishing in accordance with this invention are similar.

The drive for the takeup roll 35 may comprise a suitable motor means or source of power which may be located within the vessel 23 and remotely operated or it may comprise a source having its output shaft extending through the wall of the pressure vessel and which is arranged so as to be suitably clutched to the operating shaft of the drive roller 38 of the takeup roller 35. The arrangement can be such that whenever the roll stand 22 is properly positioned within the pressure vessel, the output shaft of the power means or source (not shown) is coupled to the input shaft of the drive roller. Thus when actuated the drive roller being operatively connected in driving relationship to the drive means 38 imparts rotation to the takeup roll.

The method utilized by this invention for effecting the dyeing of fabric material and more particularly of synthetic fibers comprises the positioning of a roll 10A of material A to be treated adjacent a preheating means 15, as for example the steam-heated cans or rolls, and drawing the material from the supply roll by passing the same over the heated cans as to effect the preheating thereof. The preheated material is then directed to the dyeing vat 17A whereafter the material in passing from the dyeing vat 17A is wound into a roll about a loading roller 21 mounted on a mobile stand. After a predetermined amount of material has so been rolled upon the feed roll of the mobile stand the free end thereof is then threaded about a complementary takeup roll 35 mounted on the roll stand. The roll stand is then moved into a pressure vessel and the pressure vessel sealed by its closure 23A. The vessel is then brought up to predetermined temperatures and pressures, e.g., 250 to 270 at 15 to 18 psi, and while at such elevated temperatures and pressures the dyed material is transferred from the loading roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. In doing so the dye becomes fixed into the fibers of the material so treated. Upon the termination of the fixation time, the temperature and pressure within the vessel are lowered to a point wherein the material may be removed therefrom. The material removed therefrom may be subsequently washed and rinsed and thereafter cleaned and/or prepared for the finishing operation.

It will be understood that the same method and apparatus can be utilized to effect a subsequent finishing operation, the only distinction between the finishing and the dyeing operations being that finishing chemicals are used in lieu of the dyestuffs in the padder vat 17A. In all other respects the method and apparatus are similar.

The functioning of the finishing chemicals is to give the fibers of the fabric a better hand for greater durability. Generally the finishing operation is performed after the dyeing operation has been completed and after the cleaning of the dyed material has been accomplished.

In utilizing the method and apparatus herein described it is to be noted that the padding which is occurring externally of the pressure vessel for a predetermined amount of material may be performed in 30 to 35 minutes with a fixation time of an additional time ranging in the neighborhood of 20 to 30 minutes for lots ranging of approximately 5,000 yards.

Also, in accordance with this invention, it is to .be noted that either large or small lots may be effectively treated without adversely affecting the fixation time thereof.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated and undertsood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for high-temperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applying heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moved into and out of said vessel,

said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary takeup roller rotatably journallcd thereon,

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open width, means disposed exteriorly of the pressure vessel for preheating the material to be padded prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuff to said material.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said pressure vessel includes:

a baffle spaced from a wall portion of the vessel and a heating means disposed in the space defined between the said bafile and adjacent wall portion of said vessel to prohibit condensation occurring within the vessel when placed in operation.

3. An apparatus for high-temperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applying heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moved into and out of said vessel, said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary take-up roller rotatably journallcd thereon.

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open widths,

heating means disposed exteriorly of the pressure ves- 'sel -for preheating the material to be padded'prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestulf to said material, wherein said padding means comprises:

a plurality of heated cans about which the material to be dyed is threaded for preheating said material prior to dyeing,

:a padder including a vat for containing the dyebath,

a plurality of padder rolls disposed in said vat about which said material is threaded,

and a pair of complementary padder rolls disposed above said vat through which said padded material is threaded prior to being rolled about the feed roller of said roll stand.

4. An apparatus for highdemperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applynig heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moved into and out of said vessel,

said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary takeup roller rotatably journalled thereon,

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open widths,

heating means disposed exteriorly of the pressure vessel for preheating the material to be padded prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuff to said material, wherein means for winding said padded material in open widths about said loading roller comprises:

a pivotly mounted arm,

a drive roller mounted on said arm which is adapted to be disposed in rolling engagement with the rolled material on said loading roller whereby the material is threaded about said drive roller and between it and said roll of material on said loading roller.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including an expander roll carried on said arm intermediate the end thereof for guiding the material from the padding rolls to the drive roller.

6. An apparatus for high-temperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applying heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moved into and out of said vessel,

said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary takeup roller rotatably journalled thereon,

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open widths,

heating means disposed exteriorly of the pressure vessel for preheating the material to be padded prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuif to said material, wherein said padding means includes:

a plurality of heated cans about which the material to be dyed is threaded for preheating the same before dyeing,

a pair of complementary padding rollers,

means for guiding the material between said padding rollers, and means to confine a dye bath in the nip of said complementary padding rollers.

7. An apparatus for high-temperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applying heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moevd into and out of said vessel,

said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary takeup roller rotatably journalled thereon,

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open widths,

heating means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for preheating the material to be padded prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuff to said material,

and means for effecting the drive of said takeup roller in transferring the padded material from said loading roller to said takeup roller during the fixation within said pressure vessel.

8. An apparatus for high-temperature dyeing comprising:

a pressure vessel open at one end,

a closure for sealing the opened end of said vessel fluid tight,

means for applying heat to said vessel,

a roll stand adapted to be moved into and out of said vessel,

said roll stand including a loading roller and a complementary takeup roller rotatably journalled thereon,

padding means disposed exteriorly of said pressure vessel for padding material in open widths,

heating means disposed exteriorly of the pressure vessel for preheating the material to be padded prior to padding,

means for winding the material as it is padded in a roll about said loading roller of said roll stand, exteriorly of said pressure vessel,

and means for transferring the material from said loading roller to said takeup of said roll stand in open width within said pressure vessel under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestutf to said material,

means for effecting the drive of said takeup roller in transferring the padded material from said loading roller to said takeup roller during the fixation within said pressure vessel,

said takeup drive means comprising:

an arm pivotly mounted at one end to said roll stand,

a drive reller rnounted on the other end of said arm, 2,784,583 3/1957 "Dungler 6822 the material in transferring from said feed roller to 2,833,136 5/1958 Prince et a1 685 said takeup roller being threaded about said takeup 3,206,777 9/1965 Shibata- 68180 X drive roller. 3,210,967 10/1965 Schwab et a1. 685 1 References Cited 5 3,210,970 10/1965 Blount 68177 UNITED STATES PATENTS I 666,056 1/1901 Jackson et a1. 68180' German im d a 1' f N 10 203 A 741,188 10/1903 Theis 68-5 1960, f, 6 pp f 1,764,089 6/1930 Sibson et a1. 685 10 12/1954 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner.

Erikson et al. 688 

